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10 Style Lessons To Take From Françoise Hardy For The Season Ahead

She may have been at the forefront of the Sixties French music scene, but Françoise Hardy was also a pioneer in style. Just look at her historic fashion influence – she was the muse of Rei Kawakubo, who named Comme des Garçons after tweaking a lyric in her 1962 hit, "Tous les garçons et les filles". She was also the cover girl for Paco Rabanne’s famous glittering gold plated dress, and triggered the triumph of French fashion when styling a white Courrèges pantsuit that paved the way for futurism. Between two fields, yé-yé music translated to a total yés-yés in fashion. So in honour of her 74th birthday, Vogue charts 10 of Hardy’s greatest style lessons to infuse into your spring wardrobe. Bon Anniversaire!

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The Heritage Coat

She often dressed in mod, but she loved the mannish movement more. Projecting levels of masculinity was considered gauche, but Hardy’s spared style resulted in a new form of elegance for women. Enter the heritage coat, which concealed femininity but proved that less was definitely more. The plaid coat has asserted itself through to today, coloured in chestnut by Dries Van Noten. Très chic.

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White Jean Winner

What to wear this season? White jeans. They’re the perfect cool-weather textile, setting the appearance of complete retro chic. Style them with a leather jacket like Hardy for a fresh, laidback look. To take it one further, clad yourself fully in the monotone colour, like at Calvin Klein.

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A Baker Boy Is Your Best Friend

Alongside Jane B, Françoise led the eye-grazing fringe clan. And she accessorised it perfectly. The baker boy remains at its height today, retouched by Dior with a fine layer of netting. This is your understated nod to the tuned-in youth movement that swept the Sixties.

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Accessories Are Key

Buckle up! As far as accessories were concerned, Hardy approached them systematically: simple yet effective. A white shirt was met with a chunky buckle belt and draping silver chains. The effect? A touch of glamour to add to the enduring allure of the Parisienne’s most essential item. If you’re feeling frosty, take the same approach with a mac coat like Les Copains.

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The Girl On A Motorcycle

Establishing a pared-down tomboy style worked wonders for Hardy – her image landed her roles in the Grand Prix and Un Balle Au Couer films of 1966. Being amongst the driving force in Grand Prix certainly served influence, for Hardy proved full well that a woman need not be the male rider's accessory. To achieve her daring demeanour, clad yourself in leather from head to toe. Feeling extra frisky? Add some studs like Rodarte.

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Double Denim

Dare to denim? Oui oui. But who said doubling it up was a fashion faux pas? Not Hardy, who balanced the bold material effortlessly and made it fit for any setting – morning, afternoon or night. The ultimate accessories? Pointed heels and a draping white coat, according to Oscar De La Renta. Casual has never looked so chic.

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The Statement Sweater

Feeling tired? Let your clothes do the talking. One of Hardy’s more saturated looks: a chunky knit with an emblazoned initial. Speaking out ahead of her time, her styling reigns on today – the statement sweater has never been more sensational. Initials work a treat, as well as single speech. Step into the start of your chosen day thanks to Alberta Ferretti, who is evidently feeling Saturday as the statement this season.

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Poised In Pinstripe

2018 calls for the pinstripe pinnacle. It’s the suited texture for spring according to Phillip Lim, Gucci and Elie Saab. But who styled it first? None other than Hardy, once again affirming that a distinctly mannish appearance of the Sixties was to be at the future forefront of womenswear. For a modern take, opt for a cropped jacket like Toga, whilst modelling the midriff through a winning white shirt. Voila! Françoise forever.

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Co-ord Twinning

Twinning has never been trendier. Model pals stormed the Versace SS18 runway in unison, with publication prints paving the way. Enter Vogue. But Françoise and her pal Jane B were long ready for this runway, poised in printed co-ords that would go on to inspire Gianni and even Nineties Carrie Bradshaw. Their message? Pattern pairing was to be eternally chic.

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Starwoman

Perhaps her most iconic look: Hardy in Paco Rabanne. The metal plated dresses and pantsuits that stormed the streets in the late Sixties screamed an anticipation for disco fever. The glamorous look has since remained, most recently reinvented by Balmain. For the ultimate evening ensemble, be the girl who glitters. Saturday night fever sorted!